MONMOUTH, Ore. — Concordia University Irvine cross country traveled to Monmouth, Oregon for the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships on November 8th, where the Golden Eagles competed against some of the strongest programs in the nation at Ash Creek Preserve.

Senior Noah Plaza led the way for CUI with a standout performance, finishing sixth overall in the men's 10K with a time of 29:41.17. His effort marked one of the best regional finishes in program history and helped pace the Golden Eagles in the team standings. Following close behind, Spencer Handorf clocked in at 31:07.91 to place 40th, and Moises Benito finished 42nd with a time of 31:11.88. Rounding out the lineup were freshmen Dante Maldonado (32:47.98), Logan Jones (32:52.71), Marcus Shin (32:58.82), and Gavin Hellerstedt (33:08.44), showing the team's depth and mix of experience and young talent.

On the women's side, senior Ania Kapustka led the Golden Eagles in the 6K race, finishing 15th overall with a time of 21:04.16, an impressive performance that capped off her CUI career. Elizabeth King followed with a strong run of 21:40.94 to place 49th, while freshman Olivia Reed crossed the line in 21:49.06 for 59th. Mariza Chavez (22:08.70) and Audrey Barcenas (22:11.76) rounded out CUI's scoring runners, finishing 81st and 83rd respectively. Emily Littlefield (22:51.04) and Adamara Esparza (22:56.32) completed the lineup, helping the Golden Eagles close out a solid team performance to conclude their season on a high note.

CUI's strong collective effort earned them a ninth-place team finish in the regional field, solidifying their position as one of the top programs in the West Region. The Golden Eagles now turn their attention to the NCAA Division II National Championships, set for November 22 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.